LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 6

The learner will apply basic economic concepts to home, school, and the community.

Objective 6.01

Distinguish between wants and needs.

Resources aligned to this objective

To eat or not to eat
After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, students will sort the foods the caterpillar ate by foods they need or don't need for their body.
Format: lesson plan (grade K Healthful Living, Mathematics, and Social Studies)
By Karlyn Sugg.

Resources on the web

Toys for me: A lesson on choice
Students are introduced to the concept of scarcity by illustrating how time is finite and how life involves a series of choices. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
To market to market
Students will participate in a marketplace simulation by role-playing producers and consumers. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
A Pet for Beans from 'Jack and the Beanstalk'
Students learn about trading through a discussion of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Little Bill the producer!
After watching the video and completing an activity about producers, they produce their own books about Little Bill, Alice the Great, or Dr. King. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Every penny counts
Students will learn about choice as consumers. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Country mouse makes a decision!
Students will make a cost/benefit chart showing their understanding of the differences between costs and benefits, based on the story “Country Mouse and Town Mouse.” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Costs and Benefits of 'The Three Little Pigs'
Students identify the costs and benefits of decision making as they look at positive and negative outcomes of different decisions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Build your community
Students identify businesses that provide goods and services desirable to people in most communities. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
The ABCs of saving
Students will identify the steps to being a successful saver and learn how saving for tomorrow requires giving something up today. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education